MISSOULA – Gov. Brian Schweitzer told the annual convention of one of Montana’s largest worker unions they will not be laid off or furloughed, even as the state faces falling revenues.
Schweitzer addressed members of the Montana Public Employees Association in Missoula on Friday. He also told workers that state services and programs would not be cut and he believes Montana will come out of the recession sooner and stronger than the rest of the country.
The MPEA represents 7,000 public employees at the state and local level.
Schweitzer’s remarks come a day after the legislative fiscal analyst listed furloughs and layoffs as options lawmakers may choose to deal with a projected $400 million budget shortfall.